Question

In ancient Tamilakam, Rearing of cattle was the major occupation of the people of :

• A. Mullai
• B. Marutham
• C. Neithal
• D. Palai

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Mullai

• The Sangham literature tells us that the ancient Tamilakam was classified into five geographical regions. They were known as Tinais. Each Tinai had its own geographical features.

• Pepper was abundantly cultivated in the Kurinchi region during this period. The foreign traders came to the coastal towns of South India in search of pepper.

  The Tinais had an important role in moulding the social life of ancient Tamilakam.

• Hunting and collecting of forest resources were the means of livelihood of the people in the hilly Kurinchi. Pepper and other spices were cultivated here.

• Rearing of cattle was the major occupation of the people of Mullai, the grassland. To increase the cattle wealth', the practice of seizing cattle prevailed, known as vetchi

• Stealing cattle were the occupation of people from Palai, the dry lands.

• Rice and sugarcane were cultivated in the wetland Marutam. Iron ploughshare affixed to plough were used in that period.

• Fishing and salt production were the major occupation of the people in the coastal region Neytal